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Why is Travis Hunter not playing today vs Bills? Here's when Jaguars star could return
Travis Hunter was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season, including the playoffs, after suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie standout Travis Hunter will not play in Sunday’s AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills due to injury.
What happened to Travis Hunter?
Hunter was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season, including the playoffs, after suffering a season-ending knee injury. The rookie tore the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee during a non-contact defensive practice drill on October 30, 2025. He was placed on injured reserve shortly afterward and underwent successful surgery in early November to repair the isolated LCL tear.
When could he return?
Hunter’s recovery timeline is approximately six months following surgery, which puts his return to full football activities around May 2026. The expectation is that he will be ready for training camp and the start of the 2026 season. As a result, he will miss Sunday’s Wild Card matchup against Buffalo and any additional playoff games should the Jaguars advance.
"Sources: Jaguars star CB/WR Travis Hunter underwent season-ending knee surgery, with eyes set on 2026. It was an LCL repair. He’s expected to return within 6 months to full football activities," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported in November.
Also Read: Josh Allen injury update: Bills get positive news after concussion scare vs Jaguars
Jakobi Meyers signed
The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers in a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, shortly after Hunter suffered the season-ending knee injury.
Meyers provided a significant boost to Jacksonville’s receiving corps since arriving on Nov. 4. Jaguars eventually signed him to a long-term extension on December 19, roughly six weeks after acquiring him.
While the team did not disclose full contract details, multiple media reports indicate Meyers, who was set to become a free agent at the end of the season, agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with $40 million guaranteed, Reuters reported.
